By Agencies

UNITED STATES: Sibusisiwe Angela Chiware recorded a happy video hugging a friend goodbye at Indianapolis International Airport as she headed to Dallas.

She was all smiles. But what happened during her return flight at DFW Airport left her brother in tears.

“I got a call, and she says ‘I have been detained.’ I said, ‘What do you mean you’ve been detained?,'” Manyasha Mhlanga, Chiware’s brother, said of the moment he learned of Chiware’s current predicament.

Immigration officers detained Mhlanga’s 55-year-old sister on August 31st at DFW Airport, moments before her return flight to Indianapolis.

The Zimbabwean and siblings grew up together in a close-knit family, taking photos together at every opportunity. They even made a video together to help celebrate another family member’s birthday, complete with cake and candles.

“She celebrates everything. She will celebrate my son’s birthday. She will fly over just because my son is graduating,” Mhlanga said.

In a statement to WFAA about Chiware’s detention, the Department of Homeland Security said she lawfully entered the United States in April 2022.

DHS said she violated the terms of her admission by failing to depart by October 2022 and has remained in the United States without authorisation for years.

Mhlanga said he feels responsible for what happened because he was the one who invited his sister to the United States. During her years in the States, he told WFAA Chiware became a life coach, women’s event speaker, and travelled around the U.S., being recruited to participate in events.

“I feel responsible because I am the one who invited her here,” Mhlanga said.

Chiware is listed online as an ICE detainee. Her brother is now raising money to help pay her legal fees. Mhlanga also said the family is concerned about where his sister could be sent if she is deported. He said they hope she is not returned to Zimbabwe because of concerns for her safety.

“Send her to a third country that we have agreements with where she can be safe, because they may take her back and get her killed,” Mhlanga said.

Now, as the family waits for answers, Mhlanga says they are focused on keeping his sister safe and getting her legal help.

Immigration enforcement officials encourage all individuals without lawful status to take control of their departure with the CBP Home app. Homeland Security also shared that the United States is offering $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport.